Mapmaker, Matchmaker

About this episode

Sean Trende discusses the complexities of redistricting and the recent primary results with Henry Olsen.

Though election watchers generally have to make some peace with selfish motives and unpleasant truths, there is more to democracy than the cynics would have you believe. Sean Trende is back for a chat on this theme as it applies to the redistricting wars. In 2020, the Virginia Supreme Court tasked Sean with helping draft the commonwealth's congressional map—the very map that state Democrats unsuccessfully tried to replace this year. He and Henry talk through the labor involved in drawing fair lines, and the unique challenges of doing so in an age of partisan gamesmanship. Plus, we had a primary bonanza on Tuesday! Henry rants through what we can glean from the results still trickling in from California, Zach Lahn's surprise victory in Iowa over his Trump-endorsed opponent, and a few more progressive insurgents breaking through establishment Democrats' trenches. And if you haven't already, be sure to sign up for Henry's " Margin of Victory " newsletter to stay ahead of the curve this election season.

People in this episode

Host: Henry Olsen

Guest: Sean Trende

Topics covered

• redistricting
• elections
• partisan politics
• Virginia congressional map
• primary results
• democratic process

Keywords

• redistricting
• Virginia Supreme Court
• elections
• partisan gamesmanship
• primary results
• Zach Lahn
• Trump endorsement

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Virginia Supreme Court

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